Summertime means plenty of time to enjoy new or some of your favorite drinks outdoors! This summer, I’ve vowed to step outside of my comfort zone and try new drinks. For me, this meant letting go of lite/basic beers and dipping more into craft beers and new things I wouldn’t normally try. I also am a sucker for Ciders and Meads, so I’m always down to try a new one of those. Over the past month or so, I’ve tried a ton of new beers, ciders, and wines, so if you’d like to read more about some new beers/drinks I’ve been enjoying, keep reading!

Sierra Rose Strawberry Cider: 6.5% ABV

Somewhat sweet, great strawberry taste! I was afraid this would be too sweet in the beginning, but it was perfect! If you enjoy cider, you should enjoy this drink.

Metaform Sour IPA (grapefruit): 6.2% ABV

Brewed right in Ann Arbor, MI! This is the first and (so far) only IPA I actually enjoy drinking. The hops aren’t drastic at all, this beer tastes perfect to me honestly. I will be trying other fruity IPAs in the future thanks to this beer. (IPA lover approved)

Bell’s Pooltime Ale: 5.2% ABV

Wheat beer with Traverse City cherries. Not sure what type of cherries they use when brewing this, but it tastes amazing. Not too sweet at all — Sean approved as well. Perfect beer for summer!

Bell’s Oberon: 5.8%

American wheat beer, an all-time favorite! This beer can ONLY be drank with orange slices!! JK, but what’s an Oberon without orange??? I drink this beer all year long since Bell’s Brewery is right in Kalamazoo with me, but there’s nothing like a nice Oberon (with orange) on a summer day! Oh, and I like mine with 2 orange slices but that’s just because I’m extra haha.

Whiteclaw Hard Seltzer (black cherry): 5% ABV

Basic alert!! There are so many brands out now, but Whiteclaw and Truly were one of the first alcohol seltzer brands I tried. There’s only about 100 calories per can I think and low in everything else (carbs, etc). This is my drink for summer simply because I don’t feel so bad about drinking it and is so damn easy to drink! If you like sparkling water, these will be dangerous for you haha.

Ef Hefe – Hefeweizen: 5.3%

Wheat beer made with Pilsner. I thought this beer on a whim because I enjoy Pilsners, this beer did not disappoint, light tasting but great overall flavor. Starting to get more into wheat beers, if you have suggestions send them!

Saugatuck Neapolitan Stout Nitro: 6%

Creamy Nitro, flavored like Neapolitan ice cream! I just got into nitros last summer and they are so cool! They’re extremely dark, but taste so refreshing. This wasn’t a heavy drink at all, super smooth actually! I also loved the flavor.

Vender Mill Raspberry Cider: 6.9%

This cider wasn’t very sweet, which was fine with me! A slight hint of raspberry, but tasted great overall.

This was a fun post, sharing my current favorite drinks I’ve enjoyed so far this summer! Hope you all can share some of your favorites too!